Profitable Salon Owner Podcast

How to Recover from a Walkout and Rebuild Salon Culture

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Profitable Salon Owner Podcast, host Kayla Swanson talks with Cindi Mausehund, a salon owner from Wisconsin, about managing the challenges of a team walkout and rebuilding a strong salon culture. Cindi shares her experience of losing eight team members over several months, reducing her staff to just four stylists. She discusses the emotional impact of such events, including feelings of hurt and betrayal. To manage the situation, Cindi and her business partner condensed salon hours and adjusted schedules. They focused on rebuilding by revising their mission statement and prioritizing cultural fit over skill level when hiring new team members. Involving the current team in the hiring process and maintaining open communication were key strategies. Cindi emphasizes the importance of staying connected with the team, regularly seeking feedback, and balancing future goals with enjoying the present to foster a positive work environment.

Episode Notes

• Introduction: Host Kayla Swanson introduces guest Cindi Mausehund to discuss handling walkouts and rebuilding salon culture.
• Cindi’s Background: Cindi shares her journey from sales desk to co-owning a salon with 16 team members.
• Experiencing a Walkout: Cindi details the impact of losing 8 team members over several months, reducing the staff to 4 stylists.
• Adjustments: The salon condensed hours and adjusted schedules to maintain a vibrant environment with fewer staff.
• Emotional Impact: Cindi discusses feelings of hurt and betrayal, emphasizing the owner's emotional investment.
• Rebuilding Strategy: Post-walkout, the salon held open Q&A sessions, revised their mission statement, and focused on team communication.
• Hiring for Culture Fit: New hires were chosen based on cultural fit rather than skill level to ensure alignment with the salon’s values.
• Team Involvement: Involving current team members in the hiring process helped integrate new hires and strengthen the team.
• Leadership & Connection: Cindi highlights the importance of staying connected with the team and regularly seeking feedback.
• Final Advice: Cindi advises balancing future goals with enjoying the present, fostering a fun and positive work environment.